More than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees are due to leave the UK in 2025

About 100,000 Ukrainian refugees may face the obligation to leave the United Kingdom in September 2025 if there are no corresponding changes to the legislation. This information was reported by The Telegraph.

The UK is more restrictive in terms of temporary residence compared to European Union countries. Following the start of the full-scale invasion, two programs were created for displaced individuals from Ukraine in the UK: Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family. Participants in each of these programs were granted the right to reside in Britain for three years.

Over 182,000 Ukrainians have benefited from these programs. However, the majority of them arrived during the first six months of the invasion, and under the current legislation, they are required to leave the UK by September 2025 – approximately 100,000 people.

Even if the war with Russia ends by 2025, many Ukrainians have expressed a desire to stay in the UK. According to ONS data published in July, half of adult Ukrainians intend to live in the UK for most of their time, even if they feel it is safe to return to their country.

Representative of the charity organization Opora, Stan Benesh, noted that for the devastated Ukrainian infrastructure, it may be better if refugees return gradually after the victory.

A representative of the Home Office stated, "Thanks to our Ukrainian programs, we have provided Ukrainians with access to a three-year visa for temporary refuge in the UK. We will keep this under control if extensions are needed in the future, depending on the situation in Ukraine."

As a note, refugees from Ukraine must obtain a visa before entering Britain. Under the Ukraine Family program, Ukrainians with relatives who are British citizens or Ukrainians with permission for permanent residence have the right to enter. The second program is sponsorship-based, where visas can be obtained by Ukrainians who find sponsors among organizations and private individuals willing to accommodate them for residence. Both programs are designed for three years only.